Yesterday the Mayor came in. No, not Mayor Mike. Mayor Giuliani. He's a big opera fan. I've dealt with him before, and he's really pleasant, but I was feeling under-the-weather so I didn't offer to help him; however, I kept an eye on him. He usually knows what he wants anyway.
I have mixed feelings about him. I think after 9/11 everyone really admired the way he kept things on an even keel and led the City thru its worst disaster. But it is hard to reconcile that with his stomach-turning behavior at the last Republican convention. I know, politicians always have a lot of cards to play and you have to play 'em when the moment arises. But it was pretty revolting. I tried to remember instead the Rudy who stood amid the Met Opera chorus at their impromptu 9/11 benefit and sang Verdi's "Va pensiero".
Could I vote for him for President? Well, certainly far quicker than I could vote for any other Republican; also quicker than I could vote for Hillary. On the other hand, I doubt the right-wing GOP base will buy into Giuliani's candidacy. Aside from his questionable stand on abortion and gay rights, he has his marital baggage, and his cancer diagnosis. I suppose 2008 is a long way off. But there's a lot to consider. It would be fun to have an opera-lover in the White House but of course that in itself is insufficient reason to vote for him. Still, he would be the only president I've ever had conversations with.
After my long & tiring day, it was a brightening experience to stand next to NYCB's Marika Anderson on the subway going home. But I was too exhausted to ask my usual question: "Aren't you with City Ballet?"
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